With Stephen Strasburg back in San Diego recovering from his Tommy John surgery, the most interesting pitcher for Nationals fans to watch the rest of this season is Jordan Zimmermann, who five nights ago in Florida tossed an absolute gem of a game: one hit allowed in six innings, the minimum number of batters faced.

Zimmermann is back on the mound today facing the Mets, looking to continue his strong return from his own Tommy John surgery. Chances are, he's going to hit a couple of rough patches along the way. Not every start will be like his last one. But every one of his outings is worth watching closely, because he's going to be the Nats' best pitcher in 2011 … at least until a possible Strasburg return in September.

Danny Espinosa returns to the Nationals lineup today, though this time at shortstop, giving Ian Desmond a day off. The transition shouldn't be a problem at all for Espinosa, who played almost exclusively shortstop in the minors before making the switch over to second base a couple weeks ago. Here's hoping he gets a chance to go deep in the hole to snag a grounder and then gets to really flash that cannon of his.

I'm not going to be covering today's game; about to head home from Pittsburgh, actually. But I'll be back at the park tomorrow for Yunesky Maya's debut. Enjoy the game, and enjoy your Labor Day!…

Riggleman, you have to be kidding me. Did you read Mark Zuckerman's Series Preview emailed at 1AM this morning?If you did, you would know that Ian Desmond hits best against Pelfrey at 4 for 8 and all hits are extra base hits!!!!! 2 Doubles, 1 triple and a HR!!!!!Adam Kennedy is the worst against Pelfrey at 1-11.What good is a scouting report if you don't use it? Disturbing. I guess Riggleman just thinks lefty/righty matchups as Pelfrey is a righty but throw that out the window when you have results to go by.Now lets hope Kennedy turns the trend on Pelfrey!

When Riggleman played Harris and Kennedy earlier in the year despite their struggles, he defended his decision by saying it was to keep them sharp for those important at-bats later on in the season. Well, I guess that time is here. :p

Adam Kennedy is a 34-year-old journeyman 2B who may or may not play well today in a meaningless game. My assessment of him as a journeyman is based on his 4,900 career ABs–a fairly substantial size? Nothing he does today will change that assessment. Desmond, OTOH, is a rookie whose hitting has been improving, especially in the last couple of weeks. Sitting him randomly in these remaining games to get PT for the likes of Kennedy will only slow Desi's improvement.Now, Rizzo and Rigs DO feel strongly about playing Morgan every day in CF and batting him leadoff to advance his improvement–alas.

So, Nate, I guess you are saying when Mark Zuckerman gives us the Best/Worst hitters vs. a particular pitcher, we should laugh at it?Of course the sample size is going to be small. Desmond is a rookie!

Cap – A few points re Desmond and Kennedy:1. Sitting one game is not going to matter in the overall scheme of Desmond's development, and there's of course the possibility of an mild injury or something they want to rest but aren't disclosing. So I don't see the need to worry too much about it.2. As for Kennedy–he has a team option that the Nats will probably want to pickup for next season. Given that he's likely to be part of their future, the Nats aren't just going to bench him indefinitely.3. Compare this to the situation of Wil Nieves. Kilgore at NJ is reporting Ramos will split catching time "almost 50-50" with Pudge from here on out. That leaves Nieves out in the cold, and while Riggs says some nice things about Nieves, he's not part of the team's future and they're not much concerned about shutting him out.

An 8-pitch first inning for Pelfry–way to give JZimm a breather, guys.One of the things that frustrates me most about the Nats batters is their inability or unwillingness to go deep into and work the count. That's one of the things that makes Nyjer a weak lead-off hitter–I blame him, but also have to think the hitting staff needs to spend more time teaching these guys when not to swing.

That's lead off hitter's job to see off pitches so hitters behind him get an idea of what's on the mound and all. Morgan should have tried to have a long at bat, knowing Zmann is coming from a high pitch count inning. Anyways, I just noticed that Carter's hit was changed to Espinosa's error. Why is that? Can someone who seen the play shed some light on it?

no complaints now about Desmond sitting in favor of Danny I guess? I would still like the Nats to get a proven defensive 2B in the offseason. Should've sat Zimm too. He has some terrible numbers against Pelfrey I believe. 😛

Good points, HHover.Ray Knight just said the magic words: "Juan Pierre." If you read Rizzo's quotes about Nyjer's potential, I'm sure he sees Nyjer as a "young" Juan Pierre (well, 3 years younger). Both scrappy, slappy left-handed hitters with the same strengths and weaknesses. The question is, is our guy "the next Juan Pierre" or "the poor man's Juan Pierre"? (And how valuable would a "poor man's Juan Pierre" be?

That's why we should have let Marquis stay in the game last night. Now that Zmann is out of the game, it falls all back on the bullpen again. maybe we can use Detwiler or Balester tonight. And they do well, for a change. Nats hang onto a slim lead of 1 run right now, thanks to pudge and morse.

… thx CapPeterson. I know 'pitch count' is a biggie for Riggs and Rizzo, and I know Zimm is just getting his game groove on, but oh how I hate conservative baseball – in such things as this example at any rate…. still, Riggleman's paid to make the decisions, and I'm paid to … oh wait, I'm not paid at all.Go-go Nats!

Thanks, Genius–hope Harris is ok.Cap – I think my answers would have to be 1) the poor man's Juan Pierre, and 2) not much. I've seen some suggestions that Morgan might be a 4th OF next year, but I doubt that would work–at least, he's been pouty and pissy this year when the Nats handling of him didn't line up his own inflated sense of his worth. The team already has a number of 4th OFs who accept the job happily. And so if Nyjer's #s don't come back up, the Nats may just have to unload him altogether.

Nyjer needs some serious time with a psychiatrist in the off-season. Has to be Willingham, Bernadina and Morse going from Left to Right. I think Nyjer if he isn't a clubhouse cancer can be a good player off the bench and give Willingham some more days off.

Not sure if the question was rhetorical, but….Espinosa did not come up in June for all the right reasons.He needed to play every day, and up here, with Desmond, Kennedy, Gonzo and Alberto, just made no sense.Also, he started slow, he only had a .262 BA when he was promoted from Harrisburg to Syracuse.But he really does look like a heck of a ballplayer. Zimm, Espinosa and ID is looking like a pretty fair infield. Have to assume that Espinosa and Desmond will both improve their fielding next year.

… I gotta tell you I like Nyjer Morgan. Maybe it has something to do with his background in hockey, I don't know, but I like the wildness he exhibits. Where's Mark, the Bird? Where's Bill Lee? Where's Jimmy Piersall? Where are the characters of the game when you need them?… but I'm sitting here 1157 kilometres from Nats Park. Those of you who have watched him all season have an advantage over me. … I hear the anger and disgust many of you express against him, but I haven't seen what you've seen.… so let me ask you a question or two:- how does Nyjer compare to Lenny Dykstra in terms of passion and raw energy?- how does Nyjer compare to ARod in terms of attitude off- and on-field (leaving baseball abilities out of it)?- how does Nyjer compare with (you name him) when it comes to 'love of self', and uninhibited belief in his own ability?- how does Nyjer compare with (name another) in terms of 'never saw a camera or microphone he didn't like'?… I don't doubt those who believe he's a detriment to the team, and don't want to see him around here next year. I'd just like to have a bit more background about the issue.Go Natsssssss!

Adam Kennedy is the worst against Pelfrey at 1-11. What good is a scouting report if you don't use it?How do you know he didn't use it? Perhaps there are other factors (quality of at bats, small sample size, giving some guys a day off during a day game, etc.)I know Zimm is just getting his game groove on, but oh how I hate conservative baseball – in such things as this example at any rate.When you're talking about a pitcher who's supposed to be the ace of the staff next year, and he's still only 13 months from TJ-surgery, and you're in dead last place, and it's September — that's a great time to be conservative with a young arm.Somebody remind me why they didn't bring Espinosa up in June.Because he needed more everyday experience, and he wasn't yet hitting well in June?Yeah, I know, patience is in short supply among fans . . .

Guess Ian Desmond's hamstring got well real quick. There he is pinch hitting in the 8th. Not sure why Riggleman would use [the hamstring] for an excuse to not start him except to cover his a** if things went bad.Luckily it all worked out in the end and Riggleman looks like a genius.

I noticed Balester hit 95 on the radar gun in the 9th. (btw, go Nats! 13-3 :)and he now has 14 Ks in 8.2 innings. Next year's bullpen has the potential to be outstanding. I also dislike Knight as a commentator. They need to put Phil Wood in the box next season.

I bet Desmond is all better now. But somebody ask J. Zimmermann how he feels about the Nats' typical E-6. I would say Riggleman was right to play Espinosa and sit Desmond (in spite of all the boo-hoo'ing before the game). Guess that is why he is the manager and the bloggers aren't.

Anon @ 4:30. It was about Kennedy in there instead of Desmond w/ Espinosa like the last couple of games.Turns out Kennedy didn't get a hit off of Pelfrey.So, yah, I am feeling pretty silly now over your wasted post because you obviously didn't read my original post:Adam Kennedy is the worst against Pelfrey at 1-11. Yep, now 1-13 vs. Pelfrey.

Oh puleeze,Guess Ian Desmond's hamstring got well real quick. There he is pinch hitting in the 8th. Not sure why Riggleman would use [the hamstring] for an excuse to not start him except to cover his a** if things went bad.Sometimes things are a little bit sore and/or just needs a bit of a rest — good enough for a pinch hitting role, but not good enough for a nine-inning game.You know, I really don't think Riggs would think he would get fired for not playing Desmond today.

Anonymous8, tell the truth. Really, look at your post–first of the day. Your beef was with Desmond sitting. He sat and the Nats killed the Mets. And AK did a good job. Additionally, the loss you hinted at never happened. If you were an historian, your specialty would be revisionist history. Too bad that first post is still there. Inconvenient facts…

Anonymous – You are totally off base regarding Anon8's first post.Notice he's talking abou MARK ZUCKERMAN's scouting report. He's just pimping Mark. It's cool, it's fun, and it's good to show some props to MarkZ since he does such a great job for us.The numbers he sites (Desmond best against Pelfrey, Kennedy worst) come straight from MarkZ's scouting report.So he's just writing an entertaining post, pimping MarkZ's fine work, and showing he actually read what Mark sent out at 1 am.In all actuality, it was a clever post.And as Anon8 closes, he puts in something very positive, hoping Kennedy does well today against Pelfrey.I'm glad that post is still there.It shows what a narrow minded dope you are.

DC Wonk — What's the value in pinch hitting Desmond with a 10-run lead in the 8th if his hamstring is even a little bit sore?Clearly Desmond not starting today wasn't a factor in the outcome, and it was great seeing Espinosa put his range and cannon arm to use at SS. But if injury was a factor today, I really wonder what thinking is at play to have Ian pick up the bat in a blowout.

"What was Riggleman thinking".. the consensus of the first several posts here. Hmm I think he was thinking about winning, ya think? Mighty funny how no one can 'fess up that just maybe he knows what he is doing..the score says it all…If I didn't know better I would think he makes these different line ups just to give you all something to gripe about, then when we win with the most ridiculous line up you think he has ever come up with.. yea well…shame on you for doubting..

Does anyone know how many grand slams this team has hit this year? I've been to a lot of games and can't remember any others. But then my memory isn't what it used to be. There are few things more exciting in baseball when it's your team. Also loved Espinosa's curtain call. He is the real deal.

Sunderland, point is, Riggleman knows what he is doing. What goes on here is… I don't know what it is. More often than not it is pretty poor. It really seems to be an anti-Nats thing more often than not. But I concede your point. As a dope, I'm quite sure you know one when you see one. How is that for clever?

Thanks, BQ and Anonymous. I remember Hammer's now that you mention it and that may be the only one before Espinosa's. Won't forget Belliard's as he is my all-time favorite Nat. He hit another one against Brad Penny in the NLDS last fall.Nice to see how happy everyone was leaving the game today. Now if they would just resign Dunn..

Steve, you got me stumped — I don't get pinch hitting somebody in the eight with a huge lead like that, when you're trying to rest the guy. But the accusation (not made by you)that Riggs was lying about Ian's hammy to cover Riggs' butt borders on tin-foil stuff.OTOH, perhaps his hammy is fine, and he just wanted to give him a general rest — pinch hitting a single at bat is a comparative rest compared with playing short for nine innings in a day game. (I claim to be ignorant about who else was on the bench at the time)(Also, I know nothing about the hammy other than what I've read here)

Morse fooled Uncle Jimmy again today. Riggleman with little professional understanding to go on, put his buddy Harris in the starting lineup–possibly hoping for a left side of the plate offensive miracle from a sub-Mendoza hitter.Wee Willie gets unfortunately hurt, and Wriggly is forced to put Morse in. Morse responds by getting a hit and an Ribbie, while maintaining his BA over .300.Take that Riggleman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunderland – Thanks for the kind words. The Anon goes on to praise Adam Kennedy who in fact had a horrible 1st at bat vs. Pelfrey and a better at bat the 2nd time up but still got out.Still, Kennedy went 0-2 against Pelfrey.Anon is sticking up for Riggleman which is noble, but Doc's point is right even with Willie Harris. Morse should be in there every day unless the stats dictate otherwise. Morse's splits against righty/righty is strong.

I think a lot of you guys have hit the nail on the head. It's September and we have to put the absolute best people in the lineup every day. How else are we to make a playoff run? And if the young guys don't play every day, their development will be retarded by 2 or 3 seasons if not totally derailed.It's also important to establish a reputation as a team that craps on their veteran players. How else will we make sure veterans won't want to sign here.

NCoginto you are wrong but entitled to your opinion.With players like Cristian Guzman, Willie Harris, and Wil Nieves, it became obvious that their tenure with this team was going to end this season and the team needed to find out what they had with Bernadina, Morse, and Desmond.

Boy, Jerry Manuel must have crapped on a lot of veterans yesterday–a lot of rookies in the Mets' lineup. As Carpy remarked, at one point it looked like an exhibition game in Port St. Lucie. But that's the point: when two below-500 teams play each other in September, their managers should feel free to play as many of their young players as possible. (Not taking into account, of course, the question of Desi's hamstring injury.)But looking at it selfishly, I'm happy for Kennedy that he got his PT yesterday. I've got tickets for the next two games. IF Desi can recover from his hamstring injury as quickly as Dunn did from his, and if Gentleman Jim sees fit, I might be able to watch Desi and Espy patrol the middle infield. Woo-hoo! (But what about Alberto G? Another sensitive "veteran" who must be respected?)

Anyone know how to buy advance tickets to the Nats FL Instructional League games, say, October 4 for instance? I've been to the Space Coast and GCL sites but didn't find the ticket schedule, phone number, etc.